Welcome to North Star Therapy
About North Star Therapy
For centuries, the North Star has helped millions of people find their way. Early explorers used the North Star to sail across the ocean at night. During the civil war, it served as a beacon to true north and freedom. Like a good therapist, it offers guidance when you need it most.
We Offer In-Person and Telehealth Sessions
In addition to office visits at our Tampa location, North Star Therapy is pleased to be able to offer teletherapy, using secure video conferencing. Telehealth is available to clients across the state of Florida who would like to meet with a therapist virtually.
What is therapy?
Therapy is an effective, evidence-based method for overcoming mental health challenges and working through difficult transitions. People who have concerns about their mental health benefit from the open and confidential dialogue with a trusted professional, who can offer guidance and resources as clients work towards their goals.
The therapeutic process is different for everyone. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs.
How does therapy work?
Therapists work with clients to explore issues and find solutions. Visit therapy services to explore more about specific issues.
Whom does North Star Therapy serve?
Clients include adults, couples, children, and families. We serve the local Tampa Bay community for in-person counseling, and we offer virtual counseling to the residents of Florida.
Mental health issues can be debilitating if left untreated. You shouldn’t have to struggle alone.
Therapy Services
A variety of options are available for clients to receive therapy: office visits at our Tampa, FL, location, online video conferencing, and teletherapy. The office environment is dedicated to your comfort and healing.
Individual Therapy
Support Groups
Connect with others who share similar struggles and gain tools, encouragement, and community in a safe, supportive setting.
Stress Management
Anxiety
Depression
Substance Abuse & Addiction
Couples & Marriage Counseling
Autism Spectrum Disorder
LGBTQ+
Women’s Issues
North Star Therapy helps empower women to use their voices and create space for themselves in society through treatment of discrimination, sexual assault & more.
Telehealth Therapy
At North Star Therapy we understand the need for convenient counseling. Therapy is a significant investment of time, energy, and money, so we want to eliminate as many barriers to treatment as possible.
Children & Adolescents
Kelsey Galer, LMHC
Kelsey Galer, LMHC, is a passionate psychotherapist and founder of North Star Therapy. She is dedicated to the intersection of personal development and psychological wellbeing. Her mission is to inspire individuals to take an active role in the healing process, using a blend of evidence-based practices and relatable approaches to address a variety of mental health issues and concerns.
Kelsey supports clients with a wide range of needs, from anxiety, depression, and trauma to stress management, life transitions, couples counseling, substance abuse, and providing care for chronic mental health conditions. She uses a person-centered, individualized approach tailored to each client’s needs. Her work is informed by cognitive, dialectical, and rational emotive therapies, as well as attachment-based models and logotherapy techniques. Kelsey is committed to empowering individuals to transform their lives, overcome obstacles, and reach their fullest potential.
With a strong commitment to fostering well-being and an advocate for mental health, she remains at the forefront of the latest developments in the field and is a proud member of the American Counseling Association. Through formal training and professional affiliations, she strives to bring her clients the best results therapy has to offer.
Read Kelsey’s interview in Voyage Tampa to learn about her journey building North Star Therapy, overcoming challenges, embracing business leadership, and making a lasting impact on her community.
Read HERE!
Michael Evans, LCSW
Michael is a licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups through a wide range of life challenges. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and has worked in diverse therapeutic settings, bringing warmth, insight, and compassion to his practice. Michael is trained in evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and he specializes in treating mental health disorders, substance abuse, problematic sexual behaviors, early adulthood transitions, and complex family dynamics. He is deeply committed to helping clients feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.
Dana Larrabee, LMHC
Dana Larrabee is a licensed mental health counselor who helps clients from diverse backgrounds who have experienced a variety of mental health issues including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, trauma, and substance abuse. Dana developed a wide range of expertise working with the Family Institute at Northwestern before joining the North Star team. She approaches her clients with understanding, empathy, and support to create a collaborative environment of emotional safety. Using evidence based practices including cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and systemic theoretical models, Dana is committed to helping her clients reach their goals.
Kelly Horn, RMHCI
Riley Ferrell, MFT Intern
Riley Ferrell is a graduate student at the University of South Florida pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She approaches therapy through a systemic lens, considering the broader relational and environmental factors that shape a person’s experience. Riley integrates attachment-based and emotion-focused approaches in her work, with a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. She values meaningful connection and is committed to helping clients of all ages strengthen their relationships and personal well-being.
Pricing
Does North Star Therapy Accept Insurance?
North Star Therapy accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna Insurance Plans.
Private Pay Fee
Sessions are $150 for an individual session and $200 for a couples or family session. Payment is accepted via card, cash, check, or HSA card.
Reduced Rate Fees
Sessions are $60 for an individual session and $80 for a couples or family session with our student interns. Our interns are highly qualified students working toward licensure under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
What are the Benefits of Private Pay?
Private pay means not having to report diagnoses or other protected health information to your insurance company. Individuals come to therapy for many reasons, and a diagnosis is not always appropriate, though we have to provide a diagnosis to bill insurance for services.
How do I schedule a session?
Book your free ten minute consultation here.
Email [email protected]
Call us at 813-520-9991
Testimonials
Mental Health Blog
Mental Health + Chronic Physical Illness: A Two-Way Relationship
Physical health and mental health are deeply connected. Living with a chronic illness—like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune conditions—can take a toll on your emotional well-being. At the same time, untreated mental health conditions such as depression or...
Mental Health Apps: What’s Helpful, What’s Hype
In today’s digital world, mental health support is just a tap away. From guided meditation apps to virtual therapy platforms, the rise of mental health digital tools offers unprecedented access to care. But with hundreds of apps available, how can you tell which are...
Early Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health challenges can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. Recognizing the early warning signs of a mental health crisis can be life-saving, both for yourself and for those around you. At North Star Therapy, we emphasize the importance of early detection and...